By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
After skipping 2020 due to the pandemic that has brought events to a standstill worldwide, rodeo action is returning to Castor in 2021.
The organizers of the Castor Rodeo are pleased to announce that the scaled-back, one-day event will be taking place on Friday, June 25th, starting at 5:30 p.m.
“We’re happy to put on a show for the community,” said one of the event organizers, Heide Downey.
The Castor Rodeo is a sanctioned rodeo with the Lakeland Rodeo Association, the Foothills Cowboy Association, and the Chinook Rodeo Association.
While most competitors will register for the rodeo under their respective association, there is an opportunity for local competitors to register through Downey.
“It’s a courtesy they grant local cowboys to be able to enter locally,” said Downey.
“It’s a common practice in the rodeo world.”
Downey says that the event this year will feature most of the common rodeo events, except for the youth wild ponies.
Other favorites, such as youth mutton bustin’, and bull riding will be taking place, with stock this year being supplied by Rocking Star Rodeo Contractors.
“We have an excellent line up of competitors,” said Downey.
“And we think it will be a fantastic rodeo.”
The Daring Divas Trick Riding team will also be performing during the evening. As for competitors, Downey says that there is a “full roster” which is a “perfect size (…) for a one-evening performance.
“There’s a perfect number to have a great show for everyone,” said Downey.
She was quick to point out that an event like this could not come together without the support of the community.
“We have a lot of fantastic sponsors and will be giving them a shout-out in appropriate ways,” said Downey.
“Castor is awesome and put forth amazing community spirit in showing us support with their donations. In short, we’re pretty lucky we live where we do.”
Admission to the grounds will be $15 for adults and $5 for children, and a food truck will be on site.
With level two of Alberta’s restrictions still be in place as of the time of the event, all appropriate guidelines, including social distancing and masking, need to be followed.